I have the engine/tranny assembly back in the chassis of my 1919 Speedster. Block-off plates for the starter and bendix are in place. It's a 1920 engine block, so it has a generator, which is installed also. Question: can I rig a temporary fuel supply and install the distributor/ignition system (battery only; no magneto) and attempt a test run without connecting the generator? If not that's fine, I just would like to be able to confirm the engine is good to go before I install the firewall, dash, etc. and have to wire it all up. Thanks.
Run a wire from the gen output to ground to protect it from self destructing.
I would hook the generator up too. I have heard it is bad for it to run without being connected to the battery. It wouldn't be hard to do and you have the cutout on it so it shouldn't be a problem.
Rich
Gary is correct, no battery is needed but you do need to ground the output wire to the generator case.
This is from a previous thread and has been repeated many times by those that know:
"Remove the cutout, insulating the wire that goes to the terminal strip and (temporarily) installing a wire from the generator output post to the case of the gen, shorting it out so the gen never has a chance of generating any voltage at all. This sounds like it would put a terrific load on the gen, but it actually doesn't and keeps it from harm. Mr. Gen just sits there twirling along and accomplishing nothing."
Jim
Just to clarify, It's important that you connect the grounding wire to the generator post and NOT the cutout screw for the battery lead. The battery lead to the cutout is also removed.
Thanks all. That's what I'll do for the test run. Much appreciated.